Sliding-action, multiple-contact, multiple-initial-condition relay



April 16, 1968 D. A. CAF'UTO 7 3,378,796

SLIDING-ACTION, MULTIPLE-CONTACT, MULTIPLE-INITIALFCONDITION RELAY Filed July 25, 1966 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 F a 3 4 m mvrm 74 /5 l -34 pA/VTEA. (am/r0 L Ed April 16, 1968 D, A CAPUTO 3,378,796

SLIDING-ACTION MULTIPLE-CONTACT, MULTIPLE-INITIAL-CONDITION FIG; 4

Aprifi 16, 1968 D. A. CAPUTO 3,378,796 SLIDING-ACTION, MULTIPLE-CONTACT, MULTIPLE-INITIAL-CONDITION RELAY Filed July 25, 1966 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 /3/c /J/ I 98 'JK 5i /00c M; we

FIG. 6

FIG. 7

United States Patent 3,378,796 SLIDING ACTION, MULTIPLE CONTACT, MULTlPLE-INITIAL-CONDITION RELAY Dante A. Caputo, Los Angeles, Calif. (8129 Greeubush Ave. Van Nuys, Calif. 91402) Filed July 25, 1966, Ser. No. 567 ,698 16 Claims. (Cl. 335-72) Generally speaking, the present invention relates to the relay art and, more particularly, to a sliding-action, multiple-contact, multiple-initial-condition relay including initial-condition-selecting means (in one preferred form, electrically energizable motor means, although not so limited in all forms) for selecting and adjusting the initial relative positioning of multiple first and second electrical contact means of the relay, usually at times other than during normal operation and energization of the relay for relative movement of first and second electrical contact means from such a preselected initial condition to a different temporary relationship normally existing only during operation of an electrically energizable main operating motor means also comprising a part of the relay.

When the abovementioned multiple-initial-condition selecting means has adjusted the relationship of said first and second electrical contact means into one selected position, any desired number of the multiple contacts may be arranged to be normally open except when the main operating motor means is energized, normally closed except when said main operating motor means is energized, normally open under either condition, normally closed under either condition, or any combination thereof.

It should be noted that certain of the contacts may be arranged to be in electrical engagement when the main operating motor means is energized or de-energized while at the same time others of the contacts may be connected or disconnected when said main operating motor is energized or is de-energized, respectively, or vice versa. In other words, various permutations and combinations of interconnections of the multiple contacts, and/or various circuit elements which may be connected thereto are contemplated with the above-mentioned multiple-initial-condition selecting means in only one of its possible alternate positions.

Therefore, it will readily be understood that the possible permutations and combinations of interconnections of the multiple contacts are greatly increased in accordance with the number of different multiple initial conditions of the first and second electrical contact means permitted by the multiple-intial-condition selecting means, which may, in a broad sense, he said to have the effect of making one relay equivalent to two or more different relays, each having different initial closure conditions of the first and second electrical contact means, Which can be achieved in a single relay of the present invention by merely causing operation of the multiple-initial-condition selecting means so as to bring about an initial change-ofclosure condition of the various contacts of the first and second electrical contact means before the relay is operated in a conventional manner by the main operating motor means thereof.

The type of relative movement provided by the multiple-initial-condition selecting means referred to above for changing the initial closure condition of the multiple contacts of the first and second electrical contact means of the relay prior to conventional operation of the relay by energization of the main operating means, may be a translatory or rectilinear movement or may be a rotary movement or otherwisein fact, any type of relative movement which changes the initial relationships of first and second electrical contact means prior to normal operation and relative movement thereof by the main operating motor 3,378,796 Patented Apr. 16, 1968 ICE means may be employed within the broad scope of the present invention.

The present application will broadly claim all such structures within the broad scope of the present invention as just generically defined above and will specifically disclose and specifically claim certain exemplary and representative but non-specifically-limiting forms of the invention wherein the multiple-initial-condition selecting means produces a translatory or rectilinear relative movement of the first or second electrical contact means with respect to the second or first electrical contact means, or vice versa. A co-pending patent application, Ser. No. 567,780, filed concurrently herewith specifically discloses and claims certain exemplary, but non-specifically-limiting, forms of the invention wherein the above-mentioned multiple-initial-condition selecting means produces a rotative relative movement of the first or second electrical contact means with respect to the second or first electrical contact means, or vice versa.

Thus it will be understood that irrespective of what type of initial-condition-selecting movement is produced by the multiple-initial-condition selecting means, it has the effect of changing into a desired relationship the positionings of the first electrical contact means with respect to the second electrical contact means and is completely independent of the subsequent main operating movement of either said first or said second electrical contact means produced by energization of the main operating motor means of the relay.

Additionally, it should be noted that the above-mentioned main operating motor means of the relay is not limited to one such main operating motor means such as one solenoid, for example, but, if desired, two opposed main operating motor means may be employed for sliding certain of the multiple contacts of the relay in either of two directions during the main operating energization of the relay for appropriate connection or disconnection of various of the contacts with respect to other stationary ones of said electrical contacts and, if desired, centering or opposing biasing spring means may comprise a portion of the main operating motor means. Also, in forms of the relay wherein only one electrically energizable solenoid, or the like, is employed as part of the main operating motor means, and an opposing biasing spring means effectively comprising a return spring is also employed, it may be said to comprise a portion of said main operating motor means since it produces a portion of the main operating movement.

Additionally, if desired, various types of latching means may be employed in connection with either the main operating movement or the multiple-initial-condition-selecting movement of the means mounting either the first or second electrical contact means for holding same in any adjusted position produced by operation of the corresponding motor means until subsequent release thereof.

It will be understood that the various forms of the present invention, as briefly outlined above, produce an extremely flexible type of relay capable of providing a great variety of different types of circuit interconnections in one relay and, thus, comprises a relay which lends itself extremely well to multiple control purposes such as in either pro-programmed, tape-operated, or remotely operated control systems for missiles or aircraft having multiple control elements, such as attitude and orientation thrusters, rockets, jets, or the like, or control surfaces such as ailerons, rudders, elevators, and the like, in the case of an aircraft adapted to fly in atmosphere, so that information can be fed into various control circuits to operate various control elements in an appropriate manner for maintaining a desired course of travel. The information fed into such control circuits, as previously mentioned,

may be programmed information prerecorded on suitable recorded media and supplied to the control system at the proper time rate corresponding to the travel and flight path of the missile or aircraft, or may be information derived from sensors sensing the location, attitude, orientation, position, etc., of the missile or aircraft at any given instant and compared with the preprogrammed or intended location, attitude, orientation, position, etc., of the missile or aircraft so that the measured error therebetween can operate through the control circuits for bringing about appropriate operation of corrective thrusters, rockets, jets, or aircraft control elements or means to bring the missile or aircraft back onto the direct path of travel. Also, information may be remotely supplied to the aircrafts or missiles control circuits to bring about appropriate operation of the control elements whereby to bring about a desired flight path of the missile or aircraft. Since multiple switching operations will be required in such a control circuit, it will readily be understood that the novel multiple-initial-condition relay of the present invention lends itself very advantageously to use in such control circuits for bringing about the great variety of different switching operations required therein.

It should also be noted that the novel multiple-initialcondition relay of the present invention lends itself ideally to use in an electrical power distribution and/or transmission system such as is employed for supplying large amounts of electrical energy to cities, factories, homes, and the like, since excessive demand in such a system may cause one or more circuit breakers to be thrOWn, or one or more generators to be overloaded, or some other equivalent type of temporary overload to occur in one or more circuit elements of such a power distribution and transmission system, with the consequent complete failure and breakdown of the distribution function thereof with respect to certain areas, which may be extremely inconvenient or even dangerous in some certain circumstances. It will be understood that one means for providing adequate overload protection for such a system would be to provide a plurality of stand-by overload circuits and/or generators or other power-supplying means arranged to be added to or subtracted from the main system in response to power demand, and that power-demand sensing means can be employed for operating a multiple-initialcondition relay in accordance with the principles of the present invention (although preferably of an extremely heavy-duty type) for automatically electrically connecting to (or disconnecting from) the main power system one or more such additional power-supplying circuits or generators as needed.

Also, it should be noted that various sequencing apparatuses and equipment, wherein an initial triggering operation produces a sequence of subsequent operations in a predetermined sequential and usually timed relationship, are needed with greater and greater frequency in modern complex automated and/or electronic equipment. For example, the predetermined sequential firing of a plurality of rockets or other projectiles, or the like, in a predetermined sequential (and usually timed) relationship after the firing of an initial rocket, is of considerable military importance and, for another example taken from the industrial field, consider the programmed performance of a series of different machine operations in accordance with a specification or drawing to produce a final machined part. This usually involves a timed sequence of operations analogous in a way to the timed sequential firing of the rockets referred to in the military example mentioned above. In either case, the novel multiple-initialcondition relay of the present invention lends itself very advantageously to use in such a system because of the multiplicity of switching interconnection arrangements made possible by the novel multiple-initial-condition relay of the present invention.

The present invention is an improvement over applicants earlier invention as set forth in US. Patent No.

3,246,101, and it should be noted that any of the various relay structures shown in said patent may be improved in accordance with the teachings of the present invention so as to include multiple-initial-condition selecting means of any of the various types referred to hereinbefore, and all such improved composite structural arrangements are intended to be included and comprehended herein as fully as if described and illustrated in very specific and very particularized detail.

It should be noted that the novel relay of the present invention is particularly advantageous from the standpoint of minimizing arcing and pitting of the multiple contacts thereof because of the novel sliding engagement and disengagement cooperation of said contacts.

Furthermore, it should be noted that the novel relay of the present invention is highly advantageous for use under environmental conditions which might undesirably affect conventional relays. For example, the novel relay of the present invention, in one exemplary form, may comprise a closed structure and, therefore, variations in atmospheric pressure will have little effect upon the action of the relay. Also, undesirable arcing (and consequent pitting) of the contacts will not occur at low atmospheric pressures as frequently occurs in conventional prior art relays when operated under low atmospheric pressure conditions. If desired, the relay can comprise a completely-sealed structure having an optimum interior pressure and, in some cases, may be interiorly provided with an inert gas and, under such conditions, virtually no arcing or pitting of any sort will occur irrespective of environmental conditions.

Furthermore, the novel relay of the present invention, when properly transversely oriented, is relatively nonsubject to vibration and acceleration forces-that is, false operation of the relay will not occur under such condi tions as frequently occurs under such conditions with many conventional prior art relays.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel multiple-contact relay of a multiple-initiabcondition selection type of the character referred to herein which includes any or all of the features referred to herein, generically and/or specifically, either individually or in combination, and which is of simple, inexpensive construction adapted for ready mass manufacture at a relatively low cost per unit and which is extremely versatile and flexible in use, whereby to be conducive to wide spread production, distribution, and use of the invention for any or all of the purposes outlined herein or for other relay-switching purposes.

Further objects are implicit in the detailed description which follows hereinafter (which is to be considered as exemplary of, but not specifically limiting, the present invention), and said objects will be apparent to persons skilled in the art after a careful study of the detailed description which follows hereinafter.

For the purpose of clarifying the nature of the present invention, several exemplary embodiments thereof are illustrated in the hereinbelow-desccribed figures of the accompanying three sheets of drawings and are described in detail hereinafter.

FIG. 1 is a central plane longitudinal view taken substantially in the direction of the arrows 1-1 of FIG. 3 and is partly in section andpartly in elevation. This view shows one exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprising a multiple-contact relay having multipleinitial-condition selecting means shown positioned in one particular selected initial position or condition in FIG. 1 such that the first and second opposed electrical contact means are normally positioned in electrically-engaged relationship when the electrically energizable main operating motor means is electrically de-energized as is shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 illustrates the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1 with two position changes thereof, a first one of which comprises the changing of the initial condition of the first and second electrical contact means by operation of the initial-condition-selecting motor means which moves the first electrical contact means into a second rightwardly displaced position from the showing of FIG. 1, and a second one of which comprises the operation of the electrically energizable main operating motor means so as to move the corresponding second electrical contact means toward the right from the solid line position thereof shown in FIG. 1 and the phantom line position shown at the left in FIG. 2 into engaged relationship with respect to the previously-mentioned first electrical contact means which have been initially shifted by the abovementioned initialcondition-selecting motor means into a second rightwardly displaced initial condition. In other words, in this view the movement of the first electrical contact means by said initial-condition-selecting motor means to the rightwardly displaced second position thereof as compared to the showing thereof in FIG. 1, has converted the relay into one where the first and second electrical contact means are normally positioned in electrically-disengaged relationship when the main operating motor means is electrically tie-energized, thus providing exactly the opposite initial relay contact closure condition from that shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the invention taken substantially along a plane such as that indicated by the arrows 33 of FIG. 1 and with various portions of the apparatus and all of the electrical circuitry removed for reasons of drawing simplification and clarity.

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 1, but illustrates a slightly modified form of the invention wherein the initialcondition-selectin g motor means is of a modified type from that illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. In this View, the first contact mounting means operated by said initial-condition-selecting motor means is shown in one initial selected position comprising an extreme left position and the second contact mounting means is shown in its normal deenergized leftwardly extreme position.

FIG. 5 is a view generally similar to FIG. 4, but illustrates a further slight modification thereof. This modification includes latching means for holding the first contact mounting means in a rightwardly displaced initial selected condition until release of said latching means, at which time the biasing spring means returns the first electrical contact mounting means to a leftwardly extreme different initial condition.

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5, but illustrates what might be termed a double-ended arrangement comprising a modification thereof having a pair of latching means at opposite ends of the first contact mounting means for holding it in either of two different selected initial conditions. In this view, said first contact mounting means is shown in a leftwardly extreme initial condition retained by the left latching means until subsequent release thereof.

FIG. 7 is a view of the form of the invention illustrated in FIG. 6, but with the first cont-act mounting means moved by the initial-condition-selecting motor means rightwardly from the position of FIG. 6 into an extreme right position and retained there by the right latching means until subsequent release thereof.

One exemplary first embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 and may be said to comprise a first contact mounting means or portion, indicated generally at 20, which may be said to comprise a longitudinal block of plastic or other type of electrical insulating material 22 of substantially rectangular cross-sectional configuration and as is best shown in FIG. 3, although the invention is not so limited.

In said exemplary first form, said first contact mounting means or portion 23 is provided with first electrical contact means comprising the four embedded electrical contacts, each designated by the reference numeral 24. Each of the contacts of said first electrical contact means 24 is provided with electrically conductive effective lead means, such as indicated at 26, carried by said first contact mounting means and passing outwardly from the left end thereof and through an exit aperture 23 in the left end wall of the housing generally designated by the reference numeral 32 so that said electrically conductive leads 26 may be connected in any suitable manner to various desired circuit elements for various different types of control purposes.

If desired, the aperture means 28 may comprise a plurality of individual apertures for each electrically conductive lead means 26 and may be provided with sealing means, if desired. Also, each of the electrically conductive lead means 26 may be provided with a flexible excess length portion thereof positioned within the housing 32 between the left end wall 30 and the left end of the first contact mounting means 20 so that the excess length of each of said electrically conductive lead means 26 within the housing 32 will permit the maximum rightward movement of said first contact mounting means 20 from the leftward extreme position shown in solid lines in FIG. 1 into the rightward extreme position shown in phantom lines in FIG. 1 and shown in solid lines in FIG. 2, thus making it possible for the outer or leftward portion of said elec.rically conductive lead means positioned to the left of the end wall 30 of the housing 32 to be non-slidably mounted.

The first embodiment also includes a second contact mounting means or portion, such as is generally designated by the reference numeral 34, and which is shown as comprising a member made of plastic or other electrical insulating material 3% of substantially rectangular crosssectional configuration, as is best shown in FIG. 3. Said second contact mounting means or portion 34 is provided with second electrical contact means taking the form of a plurality of projecting electrical contacts 38 in the example illustrated and projecting outwardly toward the previously-mentioned first electrical contact means 24.

it should be noted that, in the example illustrated, said first electrical contact means 24 includes four individual contact members, all designated by the reference numeral 24, and that said second electrical contact means 38 also comprises four electrical contacts, designated by the reference numeral 38, positioned with equal longitudinal spacings along their respective contact mounting means 20 and 34 so that they are capable of being in electrical engagement in the manner clearly shown in FIG. 1 when the main relay operating motor means, generally designated by the reference numeral 40, is de-energized as it is in FIG. 1, and capable of being moved into electrical relative disengagement when said main operating motor means 40 is energized so as to move the second contact mounting means 34 from its leftward extreme solid-line position shown in FIG. 1 into its rightward extreme, fully-operated position as shown in phantom in FIG. 1. Of course, the above is only true when the first contact mounting means or portion 20 remains in the leftward extreme initial condition or position shown in solid lines in FIG. 1, which is the condition of the apparatus during the initial description thereof until I note hereinafter a change of initial condition of said first mounting means or portion 20.

The main operating motor means 40, generally referred to above, comprises a translatory type of electrically energizable motor means adapted to produce translatory movement of the second con-tact mounting means or portion 34 from its normal de-energized leftward extremeposition shown in solid lines in FIG. 1 into its energized rightward extreme position shown in phantom lines in FIG. 1.

In the example illustrated, said electrically energizable translatory main operating motor means 40 comprises a solenoid means, generally designated 'by the reference numeral 42, and including a solenoid coil 44 mounted on an annular ferromagnetic core 46 positioned around the shaft 48 of a ferromagnetic armature 50 which is normally maintained by an opposed biasing coil compression spring means 52 in the leftward extreme position clearly shown in solid lines in FIG. 1. The solenoid coil 44 has input leads 54 connected to input terminals 56 adapted to controllably apply thereto various different types of electrical energy, either from a local source and under local control, or from a local source and under remote control, or any combination of such arrangements, whereby to cause energization of the relay coil 44 and to attract the ferromagnetic armature toward the right as far as it may travel in the manner clearly shown in FIG. 2, which, of course, causes the spring abutment member 58 to compress the biasing coil compression spring means 52 against the corresponding part of the left end wall 30 of the housing 32.

It will be understood that whenever the supply of electrical energy to the input terminals 55 is interrupted (in any desired manner, either under local or remote control) the relay coil 44 will be de-energized and the biasing spring 52 will cause movement of the ferromagnetic armature 50 toward the left into its normal position shown in FIG. 1. Incidentally, it should be noted that the spring abutment member 58 is made of a nonferromagnetic material so as to not be affected by the magnetic field produced by the solenoid 42.

It will be noted that the armature shaft 48 is connected by a pin 60 to a second shaft 62 which extends through a hole 64 in the left end wall 30 of the housing 32 and into fastening engagement with respect to the left end of the second contact mounting means or portion 34 at the location indicated by the reference numeral 65.

The second contact mounting portion -34 is provided with a curved leaf-type biasing spring 65 of flat crosssectional configuration which is bowed and has opposite ends thereof abutting shoulder portions 63 of said second contact mounting means 34, with said leaf-type biasing spring 66 lying within a recess 70 positioned between said shoulders 68 in a manner such as to cause the outwardly bowed central portion of said leaf-type spring to forcibly resiliently abut the inside surface of the bottom Wall 72 of the housing 32 whereby to resiliently bias the entire second mounting means 34 upwardly while in no way interfering with longitudinal operating movement of said second mounting means 34 from its leftward extreme normal position shown in solid lines in FIG. 1 into its rightward extreme operated position shown in phantom lines in FIG. 1 and shown in solid lines in FIG. 2.

Each of the contacts 38 comprising said second electrical contact means (all designated by the reference numeral 38) is provided with electrically conductive lead means for providing a desired type of interconnection of certain of said contacts 38. In the exemplary first form of the invention illustrated, each of said electrical lead means is designated by the reference numeral 74 and it will be noted that it is embedded within the plastic insulating material 36 of the second electrical contact mounting means 34 and connects the first and second contacts 38 to each other and also connects the third and fourth contacts 38 to each other. However, this is merely exemplary of one of the many possible types of electrical interconnections which lie within the broad scope of the present invention.

The previously-mentioned first contact mounting means or portion 20 is provided with longitudinally spaced shoulders 76 similar to those illustrated at 63 of the second contact mounting means 34 and defining a recess 78 therebetween similar to the previously-described recess 70 of the second mounting means 34 and receiving a curved leaf-type spring 80 of flat cross-sectional configuration similar to the previously-described spring 66 co operating with the second mounting portion 34. Said spring 80 has an outwardly bowed central portion which contacts the inside surface of the top wall 82 of the housing 32 and thus resiliently biases said first mounting means 20 downwardly at all times while freely allowing relative longitudinal movement thereof from the leftward extreme initial position or condition shown in solid lines in FIG. 1 into the rightward extreme initial position or condition as shown in phantom lines in FIG. 1 and as shown in solid lines in FIG. 2said movement being accomplished by the initial-condition-selecting motor means, generally designated by the reference numeral 84, which will be described hereinbelow.

The exemplary first initial-condition-selecting motor 84 is of a translatory reversible movement type comprising a reversible electric motor 86 adapted to rotate in either of two directions, a lead screw 88 of a translatory movement extension and retraction lead screw actuator means, such as is generally designated at 90, which effectively comprises the exteriorly threaded lead screw 88 and the interiorly threaded longitudinal recess or bore 92 extending leftwardly into the right end of said first contact mounting means 20. Thus, it will be understood that when the motor 86 is energized in one direction of rotation by operation of the snap action switch means, generally designated at 94, of the control electric circuit means, generally designated at 96, the rotation of the lead screw 88 in that direction will cause it to be threaded-ly advanced or retracted relative to the interiorly threaded bore 92 whereby to cause corresponding move ment of the first mounting means 20, either toward the rightward extreme initial condition or position shown in phantom lines in FIG. 1 and shown in solid lines in FIG. 2 or in the opposite direction toward the leftward extreme position shown in solid lines in FIG. 1.

If we assume that the snap-action switch 94 is operated from the position shown in FIG. 1 wherein it connects the upper power input terminal 56 to the upper parallel switching lead 98, to its alternate position where it connects said upper power input terminal 56 to the other lower parallel switching lead 160, it will be noted that the similar snap-action microswitch, generally designated at 102, is already in a position such as to connect the newly-powered switching lead 1% to the right terminal 104 of the motor 86. This will cause the motor 86 to be energized in a direction such as to rotate the lead screw 88 in a clockwise direction as one looks axially therealong toward the left, which will, of course, tend to thread it into the interior bore 92 of the first contact mounting means 20 and, since the motor 86 is fixedly mounted on the right end wall 106 of the housing 32 and cannot move toward the left during this threading action, the result thereof is to cause positive slidable movement toward the right of said first mounting means 20 from the first initial position and condition shown in solid lines in FIG. 1 toward the rightward extreme condition and position thereof shown in phantom lines in FIG. 1 until such time as the right end projection 76 strikes the switch-actuating element 103 of the previously-mentioned snap-action Inicroswitch 102 and causes the interior switch element thereof, shown in broken lines at 110, to move from the left position illustrated in FIG. 1 into a right position where it connects to the other parallel switching circuit 98. In other words, it breaks the connection between the powered switching circuit and the right-hand motor terminal 104 and, therefore, immediately stops further rotation of the motor 86 and further rightward movement of the first contact mounting means 20 in the extreme right position shown in phantom lines in FIG. 1 and shown in solid lines in FIG. 2.

When an operator wishes to return the first contact mounting means 20 from its rightward extreme initial condition shown in phantom lines in FIG. 1 and in solid lines in FIG. 2 to its first leftward extreme initial condition such as is shown in solid lines in FIG. 1, he manually operates the other snap-action switch 112, which then effectively connects the upper power input terminal 56 to the left parallel switching circuit 114, which connects through the snap-action switch means, generally designated at 116, mounted on the left wall 30 of the housing 32 and through the lead 118 to the other or left terminal 120 of the initial-condition-selecting motor 86. This of course causes the motor to be energized in an opposite direction from that previously described, which will rotate the lead screw 88 in a counter-clockwise direction as viewed axially in a leftward direction therealong and this will, of course, cause the first contact mounting means to be forcibly moved from its rightward extreme position toward the left until it reaches its leftward extreme position as shown in solid lines in FIG. 1 where it strikes the operating element 122 of the previouslymentioned left limit switch means 116, which causes the operation of the interior switch element thereof, shown in broken lines at 124, so as to cause it to break the connection of the upper power input lead 56 to the motor-energizing lead 118 and to instead connect to the other parallel left unpowered switching lead 126. It will be noted that both of the alternately differently positioned snap-action switches 94 and 112 and the similar alternately-positioned snap-action microswitches comprising the end-of-movement limit switches 102 and 116 are so connected in the electric circuit means 96 as to now be ready for repetition of the rightward extreme movement of the first contact mounting means 20 followed by a leftward extreme movement thereof, and so on, for as many repetitions thereof as desired.

The important point to note is that when the first contact mounting means 20 is in the first or leftward extreme initial condition or position shown in solid lines in FIG. 1, the first and second electrical contact means 24 and 38 are in certain relationships to each otherin the example illustrated, in electrical engagement, although not specifically so limited.

However, when the initial-condition-selection motor means 86 is operated by movement of the switch means 94 from one position to the other and the first contact mounting means 20 moves into the second rightwardly extreme position, shown in phantom lines in FIG. 1 and in solid lines in PEG. 2, said first and second electrical contact means 24 and 38 are in a completely different initial condition, which in the example illustrated, comprises an electrically disengaged relationship thereof.

Therefore, it will readily be understood that this has the effect of providing two different relays in one structure, since, in the first case, energization of the main operating motor means 40 will then cause disengagement of the first and second electrical contact means 24 and 38 while, in the second case, energization of the main operating motor means 40 will have exactly the opposite elfect-that is, it will cause engagement of the previously disengaged first and second electrical contact means 24 and 38.

Of course, for purposes of illustration, I have chosen a very simple arrangement of the first and second electrical contact means 24 and 38. Actually, they might vary in number according to need and some of them might be initially engaged while others might be initially disengaged and, if desired, some of them might comprise an arrangement such that either of a pair of cooperable contacts may be made long enough so as to remain in engagement with the cooperating contact irrespective of whether the main operating motor 46 is energized or deenergized and, also, various combinations of such arrangements are all within the broad scope of the present invention. i

FIG. 4 illustrates a slight modification of the invention wherein a modified type of initial-condition-selecting motor means is employed from that of the first form of the invention shown in FIGS. 13 and indicated generally by the reference numeral 84 in said FIGS. 1-3. In this modified form of the invention, all parts, either identical to, or structurally or functionally similar to, corresponding parts of the first form of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, are designated by similar reference numerals, followed by the letter a, however.

It will be noted that in the FIG. 4 form of the invention, the initial-condition-selecting motor means is generally designated by the reference numeral 84a and comprises a solenoid generally designated by the reference numeral 128 and a biasing coil compression spring means 130 which act in opposition to each other in a manner very similar to the operation of the previously-described solenoid means 42 and the opposed biasing coil compression spring means 52 of the main operating motor means 40 of the first form of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1 3. In other words, when input electrical energy from the input terminals 56a is connected through the manually operable snap-action control switch 131 to the coil 132 of the solenoid 128, the ferromagnetic solenoid armature 134 (which is in a different position from the armature 50 of the first form of the invention) is attracted toward the solenoid coil 132 and, therefore, moves toward the right as far as possible, which has the effect of causing the right end of the first contact mounting means 20a to move toward the right from the solid line leftward extreme first initial position and condition thereof shown in FIG. 4 into the rightwardly extreme second initial condition and position thereof which is shown in phantom lines in FIG. 4. This action effectively compresses the biasing spring 130 so that it will be ready to move said first contact mounting means 20a toward the left back into its first initial leftwardly extreme condition and position such as is shown in solid lines in FIG. 4 as soon as the solenoid coil 132 is de-energized by the opening of the control switch 131. In other words, the control switch 131, when closed, continually energizes the solenoid 132 coil, which continually holds the first contact mounting means Zita in its rightwardly extreme initial condition and position, while opening the switch 131, allows the biasing spring 130 to return the first contact mounting means 20a to its leftwardly extreme initial position and condition, in which it will remain until the switch 131 is again moved into closed position. The cross bar 136 at the right end of the connecting shaft 133 which is pinned to the armature 134 acts as a stop member and is made of a non-ferromagnetic material so that it will not be attracted by the solenoid coil 132 when energized.

Otherwise, the remainder of the structural elements of the FIG. 4 modification of the invention are identical to and function in a manner identical to the previously-fullydescribed corresponding elements of the first form of the invention illustrated in FIGS. L3 and, therefore, will not again be described in detail.

FIG. 5 illustrates a further slight modification of the invention very similar to the FIG. 4 form of the invention but including additional structure comprising latching means, such as is generally designated by the reference numeral 140, which is provided for purposes which will be described in detail hereinafter. Otherwise, this modification of the invention is very similar to the FIG. 4 form of the invention, and identical or structurally or functionally similar parts are designated by similar reference numerals, followed by the letter b, however.

It will be noted that the latching means 140 is provided so it will not be necessary to maintain continuous energization of the solenoid 12811 whenever the first contact mounting means 20b is in its rightwardly extreme initial condition and position in the manner which is necessary in the FIG. 4 form of the invention. In the FIG. 5 form of the invention, operation of the snap-action altemateposition switch 131b into the position shown in FIG. 5 will energize the solenoid coil 132b through the snapaction limit switch generally designated at 10%. This will, of course, cause the ferromagnetic armature 134b to be moved toward the right as far as possible and will cause the coil compression biasing spring means 130!) to be compressed. However, it is not necessary that the solenoid 128b remain energized after said initial rightward displacement of the first contact mounting means 20b because said rightward displacement will cause the upper right projection 76b of the first contact mounting means 20b to pass the locking detent or projection 142 of the locking spring 144 of the latching means generally designated at 140 so that it will be retained in said rightwardly extreme position and will be prevented from returning to the leftwardly extreme position under the action of the biasing compression spring 13Gb. This latching action is made possible by reason of the fact that the spring 144 is resiliently deflectable, which will allow the projection 76b to pass the locking projection or detent portion '142 thereof when moving toward the right, but not when attempting to move toward the left. This is so because of the shape of the locking projection or detent 142.

Therefore, it is now possible to de-energize the solenoid coil 13% and this is accomplished by reason of the fact that said right upper projection 76b of the first contact mounting means 20b strikes the operating element 108]; of the snap-action switch 102]; and operates the interior switch element thereof, shown in broken lines at 11012, out of circuit-closing relationship with respect to the switching circuit lead 98b and into circuit-closing relationship with respect to the other circuit-switching portion 10012, which is not electrically powered since the switch 13111 is in the up position as shown in FIG. 5. This immediately de-energizes the solenoid coll 1321).

However, as pointed out before, the latching spring projection or locking projection or detent 142 holds the complete first contact mounting means 20b in its right- Wardly extreme initial condition and position until such time as the switch 146 is momentarily closed at the same time that the snap-action alternate-position switch 131!) is next operated. This may be accomplished by mechanically coupling an operating pushbutton or element of the snap-action switch 13111 with respect to a corresponding operating pushbutton or element of the momentary closure switch means 146.

When momentary closure of the switch 146 occurs, a solenoid 148 of the latching means 140 is momentarily energized and attracts the ferromagnetic armature 150 upwardly as viewed in FIG. 5, which outwardly or upwardly deflects the latching spring 144 and the locking projection or detent 142 thereof so as to effectively disengage same from the projection 76b of the first contact mounting means 20b. This, of course, releases the first contact mounting means 20b and allows the compressed biasing coil spring means 13Gb to move said first contact mounting means 20b toward the leftwardly extreme position in which it is shown in FIG. 5.

It will be noted that the switch means 146 only stays closed for a short period of time and immediately upon opening after such momentary closure, the unlatching solenoid 148 is de-energized and the natural resiliency of the latching spring 144 returns it, and the attached ferromagnetic armature 150, to the prelatching position shown in solid lines in FIG. 5, ready for latching cooperation with the projection 7611 the next time the initial-conditionselecting solenoid 12811 is energized by the next operation of the snap-action two-position switch means 131b.

It should be noted that the stop bar 152, which is pinned to the solenoid shaft 154 at the end thereof opposite from the mounting of the ferromagnetic armature 150, is of a non-ferromagnetic material so it will not be attracted by energization of the unlatching solenoid 148.

Apart from the latching structure described in detail above, the FIG. modification of the invention functions in a manner substantially identical to the FIG. 4 form of the invention, which has been described in detail hereinbefore. Therefore, no further detailed description of the other similar portions of the FIG. 5 modification of the invention is thought necessary.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a further slight modification of the invention very similar to the FIG. 5 form of the invention, but with the left end of the upper portion of the housing being substantially the mirror image of the right end thereof reason of having an additional initialcondition-selecting motor means 840' and an additional latching means 1400'. Also, of course, there is a duplicate left-end-positioned coil compression spring c'.

Portions of this modification of the invention identical to the FIG. 5 modification of the invention are indicated by similar reference numerals, followed by the letter 0, however, and primed.

The arrangement is such that initial movement of the first contact mounting means 200' to either the leftwardly extreme position shown in FIG. 6 or the rightwardly extreme position shown in FIG. 7 is accomplished by energization of the corresponding initial-condition-selecting motor means 840' or 840 in a manner precisely identical to that described in connection with the FIG. 4 form of the invention. In each case, the opposite-end-located latching means a or 1400', respectively, is normally momentarily energized for outward or upward deflection of the corresponding ferromagnetic armature 1500 or 1500' and the attached latching spring 1440 or 1440', respectively, so as to release the correspondingly endlocked first contact mounting means 200 so that it may be actuated by the corresponding oppositely positioned initial-condition-selecting motor means 84c or 84, respectively, for changing the initial condition and position of said first contact mounting means 200. All of said elements function in precisely the same manner as those illustrated in FIG. 5 and previously described in detail.

It will be noted that there is an apparent transposition of the momentary closure switches (which are arranged for momentary closure only whenever the corresponding two-position switch 1310 or 1310' is moved into either closed position) for controlling the unlatching solenoids 1480 and 148c, said switches being shown at 1460 and 1460'. The apparent transposition is because it is obvious that when the left initial-condition-selecting motor means 840' is energized, the right latching means 140a must be effectively temporarily unlatched with respect to the projection 760 at the upper right end of the first contact mounting means 200 and vice versa, and this is precisely the arrangement provided by the apparent transposition of the latching means controlling switches 1460 and 1460'.

FIG. 7 also shows the main operating motor means 400 in energized relationship, as contrasted to the deenergized relationship thereof shown in FIG. 6. The various non-specifically-described portions of the FIGS. 6 and 7 modification of the invention are identical to and function in a manner identical to the similar structure of the FIG. 5 form of the invention, which has been described in detail hereinbefore. Therefore, no further detailed description of said similar portions of the FIGS. 6 and 7 modification of the invention is thought necessary.

It should be noted that for purposes of simplicity only two different initial-condition locations have been illustrated and described, although in various difierent versions, in this present application. This greatly simplifies the drawings and the description thereof and yet fully illustrates the basic principle and primary inventive concept of the present invention, and it should be clearly understood that the present invention may be modified to include virtually any desired number of such initial c0ndition locations and corresponding sets, or plurality of sets, of correspondingly located contact members of the contact carrying member adjusted by the initial-condition-selecting means whereby to provide a corresponding plurality of initial contact engagement or disengagement relationships with respect to the electrical contacts of the other contact-carrying member, which is operated by the main operating motor means when the relay is energized or de-energized. Therefore, all such arrangements within the scope of the generic basic description of the primary inventive concept of the present invention 13 just set forth are intended to be included and comprehended within the broad scope of the present invention.

It should be clearly noted that the initial-conditionselecting means generically referred to throughout this application may comprise an electrically energizable motor means of any of the various different types disclosed and/or referred to in this application adapted to be energized by electric circuit means and control switch means in any of various manners, such as those exemplified in this application, or various functional equivalents thereof, but said initial-condition-selecting means is not specifically limited thereto. Said initial-condition-selectng means or motor means may comprise virtually any type of controllably operable motor means energizable by any suitable or convenient form of energy and, indeed, may even comprise a manually operable motor means adapted to be manually controllably operated for effecting the desired change of initial condition or position of the corresponding contact mounting portion or means so as to change the initial condition of cooperable electrical contact members with respect to the initial closed or open relationship thereof.

For example, with respect to the first exemplary version of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, it should be noted that the electric motor 86 may be eliminated entirely and the right end of the lead screw 88 might be extended through the right end wall 30 of the housing 32 and there provided with a rotary mounting which will allow rotary movement of the lead screw 88 but which will prevent longitudinal movement thereof with respect to the right end wall 30. The extreme right end of the lead screw 88 would probably be provided with either a manually graspable actuating knob, crank, or some other functional equivalent which makes it possible to manually rotate the lead screw 88 in either direction whereby to accomplish the initial-condition-selecting feature of the invention without requiring any switches, control circuits, or electric motors whatsoever.

With respect to the form of the invention illustrated in FIG. 4, a similar modification may be provided comprising the elimination of the solenoid 128 and the manual operation of the entire initial-condition-selecting motor means 84:: by merely grasping the crossbar 134, or any other appropriate manually graspable handle substituted therefor, so that applying rightward tension thereto will move the first contact mounting means 20a from the leftward extreme position shown in solid lines in FIG. 4 into the rightward extreme position shown in phantom lines in FIG. 4 against the action of the biasing spring 130. Of course, suitable holding or latching means will be required in order to hold the apparatus in said rightward extreme position and this may comprise a suitable type of holding latch, or the like.

With respect to the version illustrated in FIG. 5, everything that has been said above relative to a manuallyoperated form of the FIG. 4 version of the invention is equally true except that the latching means 140 need no longer include a solenoid such as that shOWn at 148 in FIG. 5. The shaft 154 may extend to a position outwardly of the housing 32b for manual unlatching operation thereof.

All that has been said above with respect to a manually-operable type of initial-condition-selecting means and latching means in lieu of that shown in the FIG. 5 form of the invention is equally true with respect to the modified form of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, it merely being necessary to modify the left unlatching means 1400' to be exteriorly manually operable in the same manner as that described above with respect to the right latching means 140 of the manually operable modification of the FIG. 5 form of the invention.

In other words, in all of the forms of the inven'ion, the initial-condition-selecting motor means may be readily modified to be manually operable, if desired, or to be operable by virtually any desired type of powered motor means.

It should be noted that, preferably, the various elements of the invention other than the electrical contact means, electrically conductive members, terminals and leads, the biasing springs, the solenoid coil, and the solenoid armature, are made of suitable electrical insulating material such as molded plastic, rubber, or the like, although various other suitable materials may be employed.

It should also be noted that the invention lends itself very well to sealed leak-tight construction for use where exposure of the contacts might be undesirable or dangerous, such as in explosive atmospheres, or the like, or where environmental conditions might tend to produce early failure of operation of the relay. For example, if the relay were to be immersed in sea water or were to be placed in any other substantially electrically conductive medium, there might be a tendency for the contacts to short out. However, the sealed form of the present invention would prevent this from occurring.

It should be understood that the figures and the specific description thereof set forth in this application are for the purpose of illustrating the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention to the precise and detailed specific structure shown in the figures and specifically described hereinbefore. Rather, the real invention is intended to include substantially equivalent constructions embodying the basic teachings and inventive concept of the present invention.

I claim:

1. A sliding-action, multiple-contact, multiple-initial condition relay including apparatus for selecting and adjusting the initial relative positioning of multiple contacts thereof, comprising: first contact mounting means normally positioned in a predetermined location during operation of a relay; second contact mounting means normally movably positioned closely adjacent to said first contact mounting means for slidable movement relative thereto during operation of the relay, said first contact mounting means having first electrical contact means carried thereby and directed toward said second contact mounting means, said second contact mounting means having second electrical contact means carried thereby and directed toward said first contact mounting means and having at least a portion thereof positioned for electrical engagement with a corresponding portion of said first electrical contact means when in a first relative contact position with respect to said first contact mounting means and for electrical disengagement from said corresponding portion of said first electrical contact means when in a second relative contact position with respect to said first contact mounting means; electrically energizable main operating motor means effectively inter-com necting said first contact mounting means and said second contact mounting means for causing main operating relative movement thereof in one manner between said relative contact positions in response to a change in electrical energization condition of said main operating motor means in one manner during operation of the relay and for causing main operating relative movement thereof in another manner between said relative contact positions in response to a change in electrical energization condition of said main operating motor means in another manner during operation of the relay; and initialcondition-selecting motor means effectively interconnecting said second contact mounting means and said first contact mounting means for causing initial-conditionselecting relative movement thereof, and of said first and second electrical contact means carried thereby, in one manner from one initial relative contact position thereof to another different initial relative contact position thereof in response to operation in one manner of said initial-condition-selecting motor means usually prior to normal operation of said main operating motor means 15 and for causing initial-condition-selecting relative movement thereof in another manner between said different initial relative contact positions in response to operation in another manner of said initial-condition-selecting motor means usually prior to normal operation of said main operating motor means.

2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said initialcondition-selecting motor means comprises electrically energizable translatory-movement-producing reversible initial-condition-selecting motor means efiectively connected between said first contact mounting means and said second contact mounting means.

3. Apparatus as defined in claim 2, including controllably releasable latching means for holding said first electrical contact mounting means and said second electrical contact mounting means in an initially adjustable displaced initial relative contact position into which they have been previously relatively moved by operation of said initial-conditin-selecting motor means.

4. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said initialcondition-selecting motor means comprises electrically energizable translatory-movement-producing initial-condition-selecting motor means taking the form of translatory movement extension and retraction lead screw actuator means including a lead screw, and an electric motor reversibly rotatingly coupled to said lead screw, effectively connected between said first contact mounting means and said second contact mounting means.

5. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said initialcondition-selecting motor means comprises electrically energizable translatory-movement-producing initial-condition-selecting motor means taking the form of translatory movement extension and retraction electro-magnetic motor means effectively connected between said first contact mounting means and said second contact mounting means.

6. Apparatus as defined in claim 5, including controllably releasable latching means for holding said first electrical contact mounting means and said second electrical contact mounting means in an initially adjustable displaced initial relative contact position into which they have been previously relatively moved by operation of said initial-condition-selecting motor means.

7. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said initialcondition-selecting motor means comprises electrically energizable translatory-movement-producing initialcondition-selecting motor means taking the form of translatory movement extension and retraction electromagnetic motor means, including opposed biasing return spring means, effectively connected between said first contact 0 mounting means and said second contact mounting means.

8. Apparatus as defined in claim 7, including controllably releasable latching means for holding said first electrical contact mounting means and said second electrical contact mounting means in an initially adjustable displaced initial relative contact position into which they have been previously relatively moved by operation of said initial-condition-selecting motor means against the action of said biasing return spring means.

9. Apparatus as defined in claim 7, including controllably electrically releasable latching means for holding said first electrical contact mounting means and said second electrical contact mounting means in an initially adjustable displaced initial relative position into which they have been previously relatively moved by operation of said initial-condition-selecting motor means; and electrical switch means for controllably electrically causing temporary displacement of said latching means and the consequent release of said first electrical contact mounting means with respect to said second electrical contact mounting means for the return relative movement thereof to a different initial relative contact position.

10. Apparatus as defined in claim 7, including controllably electrically releasable latching means for holding said first electrical contact mounting means and said second electrical contact mounting means in an initially adjustable displaced initial relative position into which they have been previously relatively moved by operation of said initial-condition-selecting motor means against the action of said biasing return spring means; and electrical switch means for controllably electrically causing temporary displacement of said latching means and the consequent release of said first electrical contact mounting means with respect to said second electrical contact mounting means for the return relative movement thereof to a difierent initial relative contact position under the action of said return biasing spring means.

11. Apparatus as defined in claim 2, including a pair of controllably releasable latching means for holding said first electrical contact mounting means and said second electrical contact mounting means in either of two different corresponding initially adjusted displaced initial relative contact positions into which they have been previously relatively moved by operation of said initialcondition-selecting motor means in a corresponding manner.

12. Apparatus as defined in claim 5, including a pair of controllably releasable latching means for holding said first electrical contact mounting means and said second electrical contact mounting means in either of two different corresponding initially adjusted displaced initial relative contact positions into which they have been previously relatively moved by operation of said initialcondition-selecting motor means in a corresponding manner.

13. Apparatus as defined in claim 7, including a pair of controllably releasable latching means for holding said first electrical contact mounting means and said second electrical contact mounting means in either of two different corresponding initially adjusted displaced initial relative contact positions into which they have been previously relatively moved by operation of said initialcondition-selecting motor means in a corresponding manner; and a pair of electrical switch means for controllably electrically causing temporary displacement of a corresponding one of said latching means and the consequent release of said first electrical contact mounting means with respect to said second electrical contact mounting means for corresponding return relative movement thereof to a corresponding different initial relative contact position.

14. Apparatus as defined in claim 7, including a pair of controllably electrically releasable latching means for holding said second electrical contact mounting means and said second electrical contact mounting means in either of two different corresponding initially adjusted displaced initial relative contact positions into which they have been previously relatively moved by operation of said initial-condition-selecting motor means in a corresponding one of two different manners against the action of said biasing return spring means; and a pair of electrical switch means for controllably electrically causing temporary displacement of a corresponding one of said latching means and the consequent release of said first electrical contact mounting means with respect to said second electrical contact mounting means for corresponding return relative movement thereof to a corresponding ditferent initial relative contact position under the action of said biasing return spring means.

15. Apparatus as defined in claim 2, including circuit means including limit switch means positioned at selected locations effectively in the translatory path of relative movement produced by operation of said initial-condition-selecting motor means in corresponding difierent manners for switch-operation thereof and consequent de-energization of said initial-condition-selecting motor means when said first and second electrical contact means reach a corresponding selected one of said initial relative contact positions thereof.

'16. Apparatus as defined in claim 2, including circuit means including limit switch means positioned at 0pposite end locations effectively in the translatory path of relative movement produced by operation of said initial-condition-selecting motor means in corresponding different manners for switch-operation thereof and consequent de'energization of said initinl-condition-selecting motor means when said first and second electrical contact means reach a corresponding selected one of two different initial relative contact positions thereof.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,053,951 9/1962 Poinsot et al 335-7Z 3,2ll,154 10/1965 Becker et a1 200l6 BERNARD A. GILHEANY, Primary Examiner.

H. BROOME, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A SLIDING-ACTION, MULTIPLE-CONTACT, MULTIPLE-INITIAL CONDITION RELAY INCLUDING APPARATUS FOR SELECTING AND ADJUSTING THE INITIAL RELATIVE POSITIONING OF MULTIPLE CONTACTS THEREOF, COMPRISING: FIRST CONTACT MOUNTING MEANS NORMALLY POSITIONED IN A PRE-DETERMINED LOCATION DURING OPERATION OF A RELAY; SECOND CONTACT MOUNTING MEANS NORMALLY MOVABLY POSITIONED CLOSELY ADJACENT TO SAID FIRST CONTACT MOUNTING MEANS FOR SLIDABLE MOVEMENT RELATIVE THERETO DURING OPERATION OF THE RELAY, SAID FIRST CONTACT MOUNTING MEANS HAVING FIRST ELECTRICAL CONTACT MEANS CARRIED THEREBY AND DIRECTED TOWARD SAID SECOND CONTACT MOUNTING MEANS, SAID SECOND CONTACT MOUNTING MEANS HAVING SECOND ELECTRICAL CONTACT MEANS CARRIED THEREBY AND DIRECTED TOWARD SAID FIRST CONTACT MOUNTING MEANS AND HAVING AT LEAST A PORTION THEREOF POSITIONED FOR ELECTRICAL ENGAGEMENT WITH A CORRESPONDING PORTION OF SAID FIRST ELECTRICAL CONTACT MEANS WHEN IN A FIRST RELATIVE CONTACT POSITION WITH RESPECT TO SAID FIRST CONTACT MOUNTING MEANS AND FOR ELECTRICAL DISENGAGEMENT FROM SAID CORRESPONDING PORTION OF SAID FIRST ELECTRICAL CONTACT MEANS WHEN IN A SECOND RELATIVE CONTACT POSITION WITH RESPECT TO SAID FIRST CONTACT MOUNTING MEANS; ELECTRICALLY ENERGIZABLE MAIN OPERATING MOTOR MEANS EFFECTIVELY INTER-CONNECTING SAID FIRST CONTACT MOUNTING MEANS AND SAID SECOND CONTACT MOUNTING MEANS FOR CAUSING MAIN OPERATING RELATIVE MOVEMENT THEREOF IN ONE MANNER BETWEEN SAID RELATIVE CONTACT POSITIONS IN RESPONSE TO A CHANGE IN ELECTRICAL ENERGIZATION CONDITION OF SAID MAIN OPERATING MOTOR MEANS IN ONE MANNER DURING OPERATION OF THE RELAY AND FOR CAUSING MAIN OPERATING RELATIVE MOVEMENT THEREOF IN ANOTHER MANNER BETWEEN SAID RELATIVE CONTACT POSITIONS IN RESPONSE TO A CHANGE IN ELECTRICAL ENERGIZATION CONDITION OF SAID MAIN OPERATING MOTOR MEANS IN ANOTHER MANNER DURING OPERATION OF THE RELAY; AND INITIALCONDITION-SELECTING MOTOR MEANS EFFECTIVELY INTERCONNECTING SAID SECOND CONTACT MOUNTING MEANS AND SAID FIRST CONTACT MOUNTING MEANS FOR CAUSING INITIAL-CONDITIONSELECTING RELATIVE MOVEMENT THEREOF, AND OF SAID FIRST AND SECOND ELECTRICAL CONTACT MEANS CARRIED THEREBY, IN ONE MANNER FROM ONE INITIAL RELATIVE CONTACT POSITION THEREOF TO ANOTHER DIFFERENT INITIAL RELATIVE CONTACT POSITION THEREOF IN RESPONSE TO OPERATION IN ONE MANNER OF SAID INITIAL-CONDITION-SELECTING MOTOR MEANS USUALLY PRIOR TO NORMAL OPERATION OF SAID MAIN OPERATING MOTOR MEANS AND FOR CAUSING INITIAL-CONDITION-SELECTING RELATIVE MOVEMENT THEREOF IN ANOTHER MANNER BETWEEN SAID DIFFERENT INITIAL RELATIVE CONTACT POSITIONS IN RESPONSE TO OPERATION IN ANOTHER MANNER OF SAID INITIAL-CONDITION-SELECTING MOTOR MEANS USUALLY PRIOR TO NORMAL OPERATION OF SAID MAIN OPERATING MOTOR MEANS. 